Rustic Drive-In opens for the season this Friday

NORTH SMITHFIELD – Laying out a list of new rules for maintaining distance, the owners of Rustic Drive-In have announced that they will open for the season on Friday, May 15.

The new guidelines require that masks are worn anytime that vehicle windows or hatches are open, and anytime patrons are outside of their cars.

The Eddie Dowling Highway theater announced in late April that they were working with Gov. Gina Raimondo on restrictions for opening this season, even as other summer events including concerts and parades have been cancelled in hopes to limit the spread of Covid-19.

According to the rules, an attendant will guide movie-goers to a parking spot, and one space will remain open between vehicles. Guests must watch the movie from either inside their car, directly in front of the vehicle or from chairs inside a truck bed. Patrons are reminded not congregate with other visitors anywhere on the premises.

Concessions will be open, and a new system will allow guests to call in food orders by calling (401) 484-5452. The door for pickup will be located on the men’s room side of the building.

State guidelines now require that all guests take their trash home with them in their vehicles.

Restrooms will also be open with only three people allowed in at a time. The facilities will be monitored by an attendant and patrons are reminded to maintain six feet of distance, wear a mask and wash their hands.

“When not visiting the concession stand or restroom all patrons must stay at their vehicle,” the business noted in a post on social media.

Sound for the movies will come from car radios on stations 90.1FM for screen 1, 91.5 FM for screen 2 and 87.9FM for screen 3.

Starting this weekend, the drive-in will be open every Friday and Saturday night at dusk. First opened in 1951, Rustic’s typical season runs from April to October.

“Let’s work together to create a safe entertainment experience,” the theater noted.